Standing Fast

(As sent to a friend of mine, who was going through a struggle... maybe someone else can benefit from this, as well...)

Jeremiah was a prophet in the OT who was told by God early in his ministry that his preaching would be rejected by the people of Israel (Jer. 7:27-29). Undaunted, Jeremiah continued to fulfill God’s purpose for his life and ministry. He preached forth God’s message for portions of five decades, boldly confronting the last five kings of Israel and their spiritually rebellious people. And, in spite of death threats, physical deprivation, humiliation, and resistance to his message, Jeremiah preached for 40 years.

Many of Jeremiah’s prayers were prompted by the treachery and cruelty of his own people. To his surprise, the people of his hometown were plotting to kill him (Jer. 11:18-23). They were angered by his repeated predictions of doom. But what did he do? He stood fast and prayed! He asked God to judge righteously, and God honored that prayer.

Then Jeremiah prayed further… for relief. He was weary of the everyday battles. He was ready for some “down time”, when satan would leave him alone for awhile. He contrasted himself with the wicked, in essence, by praying, “God, You know me. You know my heart. You know I’m not like these people who talk about You with their mouth, yet have You far from their mind. Can you cut me a break here?” (Paraphrased, but see Jer. 12:2.) Simply put, in the tough times, he called upon his God for relief… as should we. But we can learn from Jeremiah’s experience here that throughout all of his trials, God was preparing him… strengthening him. God basically asked Jeremiah at one point, “If you think what you’re experiencing now is bad, what will you do when the battle gets even harder?”

When we, ourselves, experience weariness and battle-scars from our own “fights” and everyday struggles, we can know that it’s in these times God is molding us, shaping us into the strong serviceman He would have us be, in HIS army. That’s right… the fights aren’t “ours”… they’re HIS. We are soldiers in HIS army. Jeremiah wasn’t the only one who faced opposition in standing firm for Christ, despite what the “talk” around him was. We face that same struggle every day, as Christ followers. But isn’t it great to know we can call upon our God, as Jeremiah did, when we face those same trials and times of persecution?

Stand firm! Remember, God is faithful!

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